Robert H. Scholtens

Robert "Bob" H. Scholtens, who often referred to himself as 'Just Bob', passed away quietly on December 23, 2025.

Born in Chicago, IL in 1942 to Richard and Sylvia Scholtens, Bob was the seventh of twelve children where he did his best to try and not draw attention to himself.

Bob joined the U.S. Marines at the age of 18. While in the Marines, one of his stations was at the U.S. Embassy in Bonn, Germany where he learned the German language and met his future wife Diana A. Barz. After serving 7 years in the Marines, Bob and Diana moved to California where her family was based and raised their daughter Toni Scholtens (Whedon). Bob worked in the electronic components distribution industry in Silicon Valley for Kierulff Electronics (subsequently acquired by Arrow Electronics) from 1967 until his retirement in 2002. Upon retirement he volunteered wholeheartedly at St. Joseph's Family Center in Gilroy, his grandchildren's school events, his daughters horse events, and wherever else he felt he could make a difference.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Toni (Eric) Whedon; and their two children, Jake and Katelyn Whedon; as well as two of his sisters, Virginia and Marion; and his faithful dog, Joey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Diana; parents, Richard and Sylvia Scholtens; siblings, Louis, Joan, Helen, Richard, Donald, Carol, John, Susan and Thomas. After the passing of his wife Diana eleven years ago, Bob is finally back at her side where he yearned to be.

Memorial services were held at St. Mary's Church in Gilroy, CA on January 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

Published in Gilroy Dispatch · January 2, 2026